Army Educational Incentives and Entitlements

Transcription

1 Army Regulation Education Army Educational Incentives and Entitlements Rapid Action Revision (RAR) Issue Date: 6 September 2011 Headquarters Department of the Army Washington, DC 3 February 1992 UNCLASSIFIED

2 SUMMARY of CHANGE AR Army Educational Incentives and Entitlements This rapid action revision, dated 6 September o Implements the Don t Ask, Don t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 by deleting all references to separation for homosexual conduct or homosexuality (deleted portions of table 2-1). o Makes administrative changes (app A: corrected publication titles marked; superseded publication marked; canceled and obsolete forms marked; corrected form title marked; glossary: deleted unused acronyms and corrected abbreviations as prescribed by Army Records Management and Declassification Agency).

3 Headquarters Department of the Army Washington, DC 3 February 1992 *Army Regulation Effective 2 March 1992 Education Army Educational Incentives and Entitlements History. This publication is a rapid action revision (RAR). This RAR is effective 20 September The portions affected by t h i s R A R a r e l i s t e d i n t h e s u m m a r y o f change. Summary. This regulation establishes a reference for educational incentives and entitlements authorized by public law. It provides Army-unique policies, responsibilities, and procedures governing these educational benefits for Soldiers and former Soldiers of the Active Army. Applicability. This regulation applies to t h e a c t i v e A r m y, t h e A r m y N a t i o n a l Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated. Proponent and exception authority. The proponent agency of this regulation is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a d i v i s i o n c h i e f w i t h i n t h e p r o p o n e n t agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by prov i d i n g j u s t i f i c a t i o n t h a t i n c l u d e s a f u l l analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity s senior legal officer. All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander or s e n i o r l e a d e r o f t h e r e q u e s t i n g a c t i v i t y and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR for specific guidance. Army management control process. This regulation contains internal controls provisions in accordance with AR 11-2, but it does not identify key management controls that must be evaluated. S u p p l e m e n t a t i o n. S u p p l e m e n t a t i o n o f this regulation and establishment of command and local forms are prohibited without prior approval from Deputy Chief of S t a f f, G - 1, ( D A P E M P A ), W a s h i n g t o n DC Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recomm e n d e d C h a n g e s t o P u b l i c a t i o n s a n d B l a n k F o r m s ) d i r e c t l y t o C o m m a n d e r, U. S. H u m a n R e s o u r c e s C o m m a n d ( T A P C P D E ), A l e x a n d r i a V A Distribution. This regulation is available in electronic media only and is intended for command levels C and D for the act i v e A r m y, t h e A r m y N a t i o n a l G u a r d / A r m y N a t i o n a l G u a r d o f t h e U n i t e d States, and the U.S. Army Reserve. Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number) Chapter 1 Introduction, page 1 Purpose 1 1, page 1 References 1 2, page 1 Explanation of abbreviations and terms 1 3, page 1 Responsibilities 1 4, page 1 Chapter 2 The Montgomery GI Bill, the Army College Fund, and Conversion, page 3 Section I The Montgomery GI Bill, page 3 Authority 2 1, page 3 * This edition publishes a rapid action revision of AR AR February 1992/RAR 6 September 2011 UNCLASSIFIED i

4 Contents Continued Objective 2 2, page 3 Eligibility 2 3, page 3 Eligibility exclusions 2 4, page 7 Duration of eligibility 2 5, page 7 Extension of eligibility 2 6, page 8 Processing Montgomery GI Bill eligibles 2 7, page 8 Basic benefits 2 8, page 9 Veteran s Benefits and Programs Improvement Act of 1988, Public Law , page 9 In-service use eligibility 2 10, page 9 Application for benefits 2 11, page 9 Section II The Army College Fund, page 10 Authority 2 12, page 10 Objectives 2 13, page 10 Eligibility 2 14, page 10 Eligibility 2 15, page 10 Maximum monthly benefits 2 16, page 10 Expiration of benefits 2 17, page 11 Army College Fund eligibility exclusions 2 18, page 11 Processing Army College Fund eligibles 2 19, page 11 Section III Conversion of Chapter 34 (Vietnam Era GI Bill) Eligibles to the Montgomery GI Bill, page 12 Authority 2 20, page 12 Entitlements 2 21, page 12 Eligibility of the original entitlement 2 22, page 12 Eligibility for conversion 2 23, page 13 Conversion benefits 2 24, page 13 Expiration of benefits 2 25, page 14 Application for benefits 2 26, page 14 Chapter 3 Loan Repayment Program, page 14 Authority 3 1, page 14 Eligibility 3 2, page 14 Processing Loan Repayment Program eligibles 3 3, page 15 Student loan deferment 3 4, page 15 Loans in default 3 5, page 15 Entitlements 3 6, page 15 Special conditions 3 7, page 15 Processing payments 3 8, page 15 Resolution of discrepancies 3 9, page 16 Chapter 4 Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Education and Assistance Program, page 16 Authority 4 1, page 16 Eligibility 4 2, page 17 Duration of eligibility 4 3, page 17 Extension of eligibility 4 4, page 17 Enrollment necessary to establish eligibility 4 5, page 17 Participation and entitlements 4 6, page 17 Suspension of Soldier s contributions 4 7, page 18 Disenrollment and refunds 4 8, page 18 Authorized training 4 9, page 19 ii AR February 1992

5 Contents Continued Application procedures 4 10, page 19 Chapter 5 The Army College Fund of Fiscal Years 82 85, page 20 Authority 5 1, page 20 Eligibility for enrollment and entitlement 5 2, page 20 Duration of eligibility 5 3, page 20 Entitlements 5 4, page 20 Forfeiting Army College Fund eligibility 5 5, page 20 Distribution and duration of monthly benefits 5 6, page 21 Expiration of benefits 5 7, page 21 Application procedures 5 8, page 21 Chapter 6 Incentives Programs, page 22 Incentive programs (FY79 FY81) 6 1, page 22 The FY79 Incentive Test 6 2, page 22 The FY81 DOD Educational Assistance Test 6 3, page 23 Appendixes A. References, page 31 B. Army College Fund (FY82 FY85) Skills by Effective Date of Military Occupational Specialty, page 32 Table List Table 2 1: Time-in-service requirements for separation actions, page 4 Table 2 2: Basic benefits for full-time training, page 9 Table 2 3: Basic monthly benefits for apprenticeship and on-the-job training, page 9 Table 2 4: Earning and/or accruing ACF, page 11 Table 2 5: Maximum benefits (MGIB + ACF), page 11 Table 2 6: Conversion chart months available 1 January 1900, page 12 Table 2 7: Conversion month rates, page 14 Table 4 1: Computing basic VEAP, page 19 Table 5 1: Earning the ACF kicker (in dollars), page 21 Table 5 2: Computing the ACF, page 21 Table 6 1: Incentive test, page 24 Table 6 2: Incentive test, page 24 Table 6 3: Incentive test, page 25 Table 6 4: Incentive test, page 25 Table 6 5: Incentive test, page 26 Table 6 6: Incentive test, page 26 Table 6 7: Incentive test, page 26 Table 6 8: Incentive test, page 27 Table 6 9: Test cell A, page 27 Table 6 10: Test cell B, page 28 Table 6 11: Test cell C, page 28 Table 6 12: Test cell D, page 29 Table 6 13: Earning the kicker (in dollars), page 30 Table B 1: Army College Fund (FY82 FY85) by effective date of MOS, page 32 Figure List Figure 1 1: Sample loan deferment letter, page 2 Glossary AR February 1992 iii

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7 Chapter 1 Introduction 1 1. Purpose This regulation a. Prescribes Army-unique policies, responsibilities, and procedures for administering veterans education programs and education incentives authorized by law. b. Provides information on Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code (38 USC, Chapter 30) All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (referred to as the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)); the Loan Repayment Program (LRP); 38 USC, Chapter 32, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance (HEAP); the Army College Fund (ACF); and the fiscal year (FY)79 to FY81 Department of Defense (DOD) Test Incentive Programs. c. Does not provide information on 10 USC, Chapter 106 (The Reserve GI Bill). Those provisions are found in AR References Required and related publications and prescribed and referenced forms are listed in appendix A Explanation of abbreviations and terms Abbreviations and special terms used in this regulation are explained in the glossary Responsibilities a. Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. The DCS, G 1 will establish policies and budget requirements. b. Chief, Public Affairs. The CPA will communicate maximum information concerning educational incentives and entitlements to Soldiers. c. Chief of Chaplains. The CCH will (1) Provide, in consultation with Army Continuing Education System (ACES), a standardized MGIB briefing given to eligible MGIB enrollees. (2) Complete and distribute DD Form 2366 (Montgomery GI Bill of 1984 (MGIB)) for all eligible chaplains who attend the chaplains basic course. The decision to disenroll must be made by the individual Soldier within the first 3 days of active duty (AD). Note. DD Form 2366 is available through normal publications channels. d. Commanding General, U.S. Army Human Resource Command. The CG, HRC will (1) Be the system manager for programs listed in this regulation. (2) Maintain pertinent data in the Enlisted Master File and Officer Master File for programs listed in this regulation. (3) Provide the day-to-day management of the MGIB, ACF, Veterans Education and Assistance Program (VEAP), LRP, and the test incentives programs. (4) Establish a system to correct and verify education incentive and entitlements data identified as incorrect by the Army, the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (5) Respond to inquiries pertaining to programs listed in this regulation from Army agencies, DMDC, VA, DOD, financial institutions, individual Soldiers and veterans, and Congress. (6) Provide for training and reference materials to installation Army Education Center (AEC) personnel and U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC). (7) Provide subject matter experts for VA, DOD, DMDC, and USAREC. (8) Participate as an active member in the policy formulation process. e. Defense Finance and Accounting Service. The DFAS will (1) Disburse LRP payments to financial institutions when authorized by the HRC. (2) Collect and forward MGIB automatic monthly reductions to the U.S. Treasury. (3) Collect and forward VEAP monthly allotments to VA. (4) Resolve all financial problems regarding the MGIB reductions of pay, VEAP allotment deductions, and LRP disbursal payments. f. Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. The CG, TRADOC will (1) Provide monthly MGIB and LRP enrollment reports to DCS, G-1. (2) Develop, maintain, and provide, in consultation ACES, a standardized MGIB briefing given at the reception battalions to eligible MGIB enrollees. (3) Train AEC counselors in the delivery and presentation the MGIB standardized briefing. (4) Complete and distribute DD Form 2366 at reception battalions and officer basic courses (OBCs). The decision to disenroll must be made by the individual Soldier within the first 3 days on AD. (5) Maintain the automated information and electronic delivery system for passing information to USAREC. AR February

8 g. Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command. The CG, USAREC will (1) Ensure accuracy of educational incentive and entitles program data initiated at the recruiting stations and the military entrance and processing stations (MEPSs). (2) Maintain the automated information and electronic delivery systems for passing information to TRADOC, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, and Personnel Information Systems Command. (3) Provide read only access to HRC for Soldier accession data as it relates to educational entitlements and incentives. (4) Resolve any discrepancies of data and information regarding educational incentives programs. Resolutions must occur at the reception battalion by the USAREC liaison noncommissioned officer in charge. (5) Answer inquiries and investigate allegations of recruiter improprieties and errors concerning educational enlistment incentives. (6) Coordinate with HRC on all ACES-related advertising before release. (7) Ensure that recruiters and Army guidance counselors are thoroughly knowledgeable about all educational enlistment incentive programs. (8) Initiate DD Form 2366 for all Soldiers processing through MEPS on the AD date. (9) Identify those Soldiers whose contracts specify ACF or LRP entitlements and complete MGIB enrollment or disenrollment paperwork for them. (10) Assist LRP enrollees with securing a military deferment from the institution or bank holding their loans. See figure 1 1 for a sample letter that can be sent to the lending institution. Figure 1 1. Sample loan deferment letter 2 AR February 1992

9 h. Commanders, Army commands. The commanders of Army commands will complete and distribute DD Form 2366 for all eligible Soldiers who have not processed through a reception battalion or OBC. These Soldiers are individuals who have completed training while on reserve status and are assigned directly duty station. The decision to disenroll must be made by individual Soldier within the first 3 days of AD. i. Commandant, Academy of Health Sciences. The Commandant, AHS will (1) Provide, in consultation with ACES, a standard MGIB briefing given to eligible MGIB enrollees. (2) Complete and distribute DD Form 2366 for all eligible Soldiers. The decision to disenroll must be made by individual Soldier within the first 3 days of AD. j. Education services officers. The ESOs will (1) Maintain current educational benefits regulations and other related reference materials. (2) Maintain sufficient stock to distribute VA Form (Application for Educational Benefits). Note. VA Form is available through normal Army publications supply channels. (3) Provide counseling of educational entitlements during in processing at every new permanent duty station. Soldiers will carry the necessary documentation outlining actual education entitlements for the counselor. This counseling includes reviewing portions of the enlistment contract and other related documents regarding educational benefits. (4) Provide, as needed, counseling to all Soldiers with inquiries regarding their educational entitlements. (5) Conduct educational benefits training sessions twice a year for the counseling staff. (6) Conduct mandatory educational benefits counseling for all Soldiers separating from the Army as required by Section 1046, Title 10, United States Code (10 USC 1046), not later than 150 days before their separation date. Counselors advise Soldiers but have no authority to make a benefit determination. The VA is the administrator of the program and is responsible for establishing eligibility and dollar amounts. (7) Record the following counseling statement on DA Form 669 (Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Record) after completing mandatory counseling: In accordance with Section 1046, Title10, United States Code (Mandatory Benefits Counseling), I have received individual counseling concerning my veteran s educational benefits. (8) Require the Soldier s signature attesting to the receipt of counseling. (9) Follow procedures outlined in AR 621 5, chapter 2, for disposition of DA Form 669 and other requirements. k. Commanders, installation in- and out-processing centers. Commanders of installation in- and out-processing centers will provide the education center with a copy of DA Form (Statement of Understanding (Army Policy)) and, when appropriate, a copy of DA Form (Statement of Understanding United States Army Incentive Enlistment Program); these forms include a review of education incentives and entitlements. This copy will be kept in the DA Form 669 for reference throughout the Soldier s career. If this copy is missing, the ESO can request from the Personnel Service Center another copy for inclusion in the education record. l. Additional responsibilities. Additional responsibilities of DMDC, VA, and the Army will be described in a mutually enacted interagency agreement. Chapter 2 The Montgomery GI Bill, the Army College Fund, and Conversion Section I The Montgomery GI Bill 2 1. Authority Public Law (PL) established the MGIB and 38 USC, Chapter 30 provides guidance for this program Objective a. To help readjust and restore lost educational opportunities for those individuals who served on AD and interrupted their civilian careers. b. To promote the All Volunteer Force Program and the Total Force idea Eligibility a. For Soldiers who (1) Entered AD for the first time after 30 June (2) Entered AD for the first time as an active guard reserve after 30 June AR February

10 (3) Served 3 or more years of continuous AD if the initial obligated period of service was 3 or more years, or served 2 or more years of continuous AD if the initial obligated period of service was less than 3 years, or served 2 years continuous AD plus 4 years in the selected reserve. (4) Possessed a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate before completing the qualifying term of service (that is, 2 years for a 2 year enlistment and 3 years for a 3 year or more enlistment.) An individual may meet this requirement by successfully completing the equivalent of 12 semester hours in an education program leading to a standard college degree before the end of the individual s initial obligated period of AD. (5) Completed a qualifying term of enlistment. After completion of the qualifying term of enlistment, the Soldier (a) Separates from AD with an honorable discharge. (b) Continues on AD. b. Exceptions to completing the first qualifying term of enlistment are as follows: (1) The Soldier has been discharged or released from AD for a service-connected disability, for a medical condition which preexisted AD, or for hardship. (2) The Soldier has been discharged or released for the Convenience of the Government (COG). The following is called the 20/30 month rule and applies to COG discharges: (a) Soldiers whose initial obligation is less than 3 years must complete at least 20 months of continuous AD. (b) Soldiers whose initial AD is 3 or more years must complete at least 30 months of continuous AD. (3) Soldiers who are separated involuntarily for the COG because of a reduction in force (RIF) directed by the Secretary of the Army have no minimum service requirement and may earn prorated benefits. Soldiers who meet the 20/30 month rule will qualify for 36 months of benefits. However, Soldiers involuntarily separated in a RIF action with less than the 20/30 months of continuous AD will earn 1 month of benefits for every month served. c. Soldiers who do not complete the qualifying term of enlistment and who do not qualify as an exception in paragraph 2 3b, above, do not have educational benefits and will not receive a refund of the $1,200 reduction in pay. d. Besides the mandatory separation counseling procedures outlined in AR 621 5, chapter 2 and in chapter 1 of this regulation, Soldiers requesting voluntary discharges must provide documentation of receipt of counseling and acknowledgment of their understanding regarding the status of their MGIB benefits. (1) Soldiers requesting a COG discharge (under AR , paragraphs 5 3, 5 6, 5 7, 5 12, chapter 8, and paragraph 16 2) must be counseled regarding the time-in-service requirement. (See table 2 1 for other types of separations.) Table 2 1 Time-in-service requirements for separation actions Time-in-Service Requirements Reason for Category No Separation of loss 1 Regulatory Reference Minimum 2 20/ /36 4 Comments Physical disability Service connected disability AR Conscientious objection Expiration term of AR service (ETS) paragraph 3 1 Resignation instead of COG AR elimination paragraph 4 1 AR chapter 5 Disability prior to AD COG AR paragraph 5 11 AR paragraph 14 1 ETS ETS AR , paragraph 4 2 Secretarial authority COG AR , paragraph 5 3 Surviving son or daughter COG AR , paragraph 5 4 Parenthood ( 8 ) AR , paragraph If character of discharge is other than honorable (OTH), no entitlements. By regulation, must be identified within 6 months. Completion of initial qualifying term of service with honorable discharge. 8 If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. 4 AR February 1992

11 Table 2 1 Time-in-service requirements for separation actions Continued Time-in-Service Requirements Reason for Category No Separation of loss 1 Regulatory Reference Minimum 2 20/ /36 4 Comments Lack of jurisdiction ( 8 ) AR , paragraph 5 9 Aliens not lawfully admitted ( 8 ) AR , paragraph 5 10 Failure to meet entrance medical standards Failure to medically qualify for flight training COG AR paragraph 5 11 COG AR , paragraph 5 12 Personality disorder COG AR , paragraph 5 13 Concealment of arrest ETS AR , record paragraph 5 14 Failure to meet weight ETS AR , standards paragraph 5 15 Release to attend COGS AR , educational facility paragraph 5 17 Hardship or dependency COG AR , paragraph 6 1 AR , paragraph 3 26 Underage ( 8 ) AR , paragraph 7 3 Erroneous entry COG AR , paragraph 7 15 Defective/unfulfilled COG AR , enlistment paragraph 7 16 Fraudulent entry ( 8 ) AR , paragraph 7 17 Pregnancy COG AR , chapter 8 Drug or alcohol rehab failure ETS AR , chapter 9 Separation instead of court martial ETS AR , chapter 10 Entry level performance ETS AR , chapter 11 Retirement ( 8 ) AR , chapter 12 Unsatisfactory performance ETS AR , chapter 13 Misconduct (all types) ETS AR , chapter 14 6 No DD 214 Form is issued. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. Voided military service. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is OTH, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions, no entitlements. If character of discharge is general under honorable conditions or under OTH conditions, no entitlements. AR February 1992/RAR 6 September

12 Table 2 1 Time-in-service requirements for separation actions Continued Time-in-Service Requirements Reason for Category No Separation of loss 1 Regulatory Reference Minimum 2 20/ /36 4 Comments Order to AD guard/reserve officer or warrant officer (WO) or enlisted USAR status COG AR , paragraph 16 1 Bar to reenlistment ETS AR , paragraph 16 5 RIF COG AR , paragraph 16 8 Short time left on AD COG AR , precludes assignment paragraph Can render greater COG AR , service to the nation paragraph 3 22 as a civilian Elimination of probationary officer Early release due to disapproved request for extension Expiration of AD commitment Officers who decline to request or have their request for extension denied Officer selected for release based upon a DA AD board for manner of performance, misconduct, dereliction Released while awaiting approval of sentence COG AR , paragraph 3 30 COG AR , paragraph 3 44 COG AR , paragraph 3 47 ETS AR , paragraph 3 47 ( 7 ) AR , paragraph 3 49 ( 7 ) AR , paragraph 3 59 Voluntary release from AD COG AR , paragraph 3 62 Early release of obligated COG AR , to attend institu- paragraph 3 76 tion of higher learning Voluntary release due to pregnancy COG AR , paragraph 3 84 AR paragraph 6 1 Sole surviving son or Family member COG AR , paragraph 3 91 Declination of RA integration COG AR , paragraph 3 95 Voluntary retirement ( 7 ) AR , paragraph 4 7 Elimination for substandard ( 7 ) AR , performance paragraph 5 10 Resignation after completing COG AR , service obliga- chapter 3 tion Discharge instead of elimination ( 7 ) AR , paragraph Applies to: regular Army (RA) with less than 5 years active commission time, USAR with less than 3 years active commission time, and WO with less than 3 years since original appointment. Academy graduates and AMMED scholarship graduates must serve obligation. Reserve officers who entered AD after 30 Sep 81 who declined RA. 6 AR February 1992/RAR 6 September 2011

13 Table 2 1 Time-in-service requirements for separation actions Continued Time-in-Service Requirements Reason for Category No Separation of loss 1 Regulatory Reference Minimum 2 20/ /36 4 Comments Dropped from the rolls ( 7 ) AR , paragraph 11 1 Notes: 1 This information comes from a matrix all services use to code separation actions into loss categories. Loss categories are used to determine eligibility for educational entitlements. AR implements Army policy for enlisted separations but is not written in line with the law that authorized MGIB. Therefore, AR cannot be used in isolation and must be used in conjunction with the information in this table. 2 Benefits are prorated for length of service. One month of benefits for every month of continuous AD. 3 The 20/30 month rule requires Soldiers whose initial obligations are less than 3 years to complete at least 20 months of continuous AD or Soldiers whose initial obligations are 3 years or more to complete at least 30 months of continuous AD in order to meet time-in-service requirements to qualify for educational entitlements. 4 Soldiers must serve all months of a 24 month tour and at least 36 months of a 36 month or longer tour. 5 No specific regulatory references given. 6 These types of separations have dual designations. This impacts on the time-in-service requirements. For example, a Soldier who has met the 20/30 month COG requirements will qualify for 36 months of benefits. But if a Soldier has served less than 20 or 30 months, the individual will earn 1 month of benefits for every month of continuous AD. 7 Separation to Civilian Life All Others. 8 If Soldiers reenlist or extend their first period of AD before completing that period and subsequently is discharged with a discharge that is not honorable, that person will not be eligible for the MGIB. (2) Soldiers requesting voluntary separations under AR , paragraph 16 5, also must receive counseling regarding the status of their MGIB benefits. This type of discharge is not classified as COG. Therefore, to be eligible to receive benefits, the Soldier must completely serve 24 months of a less than 3 year tour and at least 36 months of a 3 year or longer tour. The provisions of the law grant full entitlement once the individual has served 36 months. Therefore, the 4 year enlistee earns the MGIB after the first 36 months of continuous AD duty. In either case, the ESO (a) Provides counseling to the Soldier with less than the time-in-service requirement. (b) Informs the Soldier of the loss of educational benefits. (c) Annotates the DA Form 669 with one of the following statements: 1. I have been counseled on veterans educational benefits in connection with my request for a voluntary separation. I understand that I am forfeiting all my educational entitlements under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code, and I am not eligible to receive a refund of monies reduced from my base pay. 2. For the Soldier who enlisted for ACF, has met time-in-service requirements, but has not earned the entire ACF, the statement should read, I have been counseled on my veterans educational benefits in connection with my request for a voluntary separation. I understand that I have not earned my entire Army College Fund. (d) Requires the Soldier to sign the counseling entry acknowledging this mandatory counseling. e. The Soldier is provided a copy of that portion of the DA Form 669 containing the counseling entry so that it can be included in the separation request. Without this statement, the separation approval authority will not take final action on requests for voluntary separations from Soldiers who do not meet the time-in-service requirements Eligibility exclusions a. Commissioned officers are not eligible for the MGIB if they (1) Received a commission in the Armed Forces upon graduation from the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy after December 31, ( 2 ) C o m p l e t e d a p r o g r a m o f e d u c a t i o n a l a s s i s t a n c e u n d e r 1 0 U S C ( R e s e r v e O f f i c e r s T r a i n i n g C o r p s Scholarship). b. Prior service Soldiers who were on RA AD are not eligible for MGIB. The length of service is not an important factor in this determination. Prior service Soldiers who enlisted in the reserve component and were on AD for training only are eligible to enroll in MGIB Duration of eligibility a. Usually, eligibility extends 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from AD. b. For those individuals with a break in service between 1 January 1977 and 19 October 1984, the 10 year period in AR February

14 which to use benefits will be reduced by the length of time the Soldier was not on AD between 1 January 1977 and 19 October Extension of eligibility a. Veterans and Soldiers may receive an extension of the eligibility period if a physical or mental disability prevents veterans and Soldiers from initiating or completing their chosen program of education. The disability cannot be a result of their willful misconduct. b. Extensions may be granted for the length that the disability prevented the veteran from initiating or completing a program. Applicants may apply to the nearest Department of Veteran Affairs Regional Office (VARO) for extensions Processing Montgomery GI Bill eligibles Processing may take place at the MEPS, reception battalions, training bases, or first permanent duty station. All eligible Soldiers are automatically enrolled in the MGIB, unless they choose to disenroll. This decision must be made within 72 hours upon entry on AD. The DD Form 2366 will be used for this purpose and will be stocked at MEPS, reception battalions, training bases, or first permanent duty station. a. The USARECC (1) Ensures accuracy of DD Form 1966 (Record of Military Processing Armed Forces of the United Services) according to AR (2) Initiates DD Form 2366 (five copies) by completing items 1 and 2 for all Soldiers. (3) Forwards DD Form 2366 to reception battalions with the accession packet. b. The TRADOC at the reception battalions and OBC (1) Provide the MGIB standardized briefing to MGIB eligibles except for those awarded the LRP or the ACF. (Army guidance counselors will complete the enrollment or disenrollment action for these Soldiers at the MEPS.) (2) Complete DD Form 2366 as follows: (a) Item 3 for those remaining enrolled in the MGIB. (b) Item 4 for those deciding to disenroll from the MGIB. (c) Item 5 for those enrolled in LRP or ACF. See chapter 5 for LRP guidance or section II of this chapter for ACF guidelines. c. The chaplaincy and AHSC (1) Provide the MGIB standardized briefing to MGIB eligibles except for those awarded the LRP or the ACF. (Army guidance counselors will complete the enrollment or disenrollment action for these Soldiers at the MEPS.) (2) Complete DD Form 2236 as follows: (a) Item 3 for those remaining enrolled in the MGIB. (b) Item 4 for those deciding to disenroll from the MGIB. (c) Item 5 for those enrolled in LRP or ACF. See chapter 5 for LRP guidance or section II of this chapter for ACF guidelines. d. The DFAS will automatically reduce $100 from basic pay for the first full 12 months of all eligible active Soldiers, unless the individual chooses to disenroll as indicated on DD Form The MGIB enrollment is irrevocable and monthly reductions are nonrefundable. The DFAS will input a top GIBIL only when (1) The Soldier declined benefits at entry by completing item 4, DD Form (2) An administrative error has caused an erroneous reduction. The DFAS will refund erroneous collections only when administrative errors have occurred. All other exceptions to this policy may be granted by HRC (TAPC PDE EI) or DCS, G-1 (DAPE MPA). e. Installation commanders at the first permanent duty station process Soldiers who have not initially processed at the MEPS or reception battalion. (For example, Soldiers who have completed basic training and advanced individual t r a i n i n g o n r e s e r v e s t a t u s a n d i n p r o c e s s o n A D a t t h e f i r s t p e r m a n e n t d u t y s t a t i o n. ) D u r i n g i n p r o c e s s i n g, commanders (1) Identify Soldiers not yet MGIB processed. (2) Complete items 1 and 2, DD Form (3) Complete items 3 or 4 depending on the Soldier s decision to remain enrolled or to disenroll. This process is solely for those Soldiers who did not process through normal channels. This is not a method to disenroll once the Soldier has enrolled. f. The following personnel distribute DD Form 2366: reception battalions, TRADOC; permanent duty station, commander. The distribution is as follows: (1) Official military file (Enlisted Records and Evaluation Center for enlisted records and for officer records, HRC, officer records branch.) (2) Local finance office. (3) Soldier (two copies: one for the Soldier and one for inclusion in DA Form 669. Soldiers hand carry one copy to the AEC at the first permanent duty station.) 8 AR February 1992

15 (4) Recruiting battalion Basic benefits Benefits are payable for VA-approved educational programs pursued on a full-time or equivalent part-time basis. The maximum number of months of benefits is 36. The maximum amount is $10,800. Tables 2 2 and 2 3 reflect benefits. These tables serve as references only. Table 2 2 Basic benefits for full-time training Time-in-service Amount per month Number of months 2 years $ years plus 4 years Selected Reserve 1 $ or more years $ Notes: 1 Basic education assistance for combined service in an active component and the selected reserve (Short title: MGIB 2 x 4 Program). Complete details are covered in AR 135 7, Chapter 9. Table 2 3 Basic monthly benefits for apprenticeship and on-the-job training 1st 2nd 2nd Time-in-service 6 months 6 months year 2 years $ $ $ All others $ $ $ Notes: 1 An individual must be formally enrolled in a full-time program (40 hours per week) to receive these benefits Veteran s Benefits and Programs Improvement Act of 1988, Public Law The law made the following additions and changes in the MGIB. It provides a. Death benefits to certain survivors of an MGIB Soldier who dies while on AD. Effective date: 1 July 85. Beneficiaries must contact their local VARO for details. b. Entitlements to an MGIB Soldier who separates due to a preexisting medical condition and does not meet lengthof-service requirements. Effective date: I July 85. Education benefits will be provided at a rate of 1 month for each month of continuous active service. c. Enlistments determined to be defective not be considered the initial period of AD. d. Entitlement to an MGIB Soldier who separates involuntarily for COG because of a RIF as determined by the Secretary of the Army and does not meet time-in-service requirements. Effective date: 1 October 87. Education benefits will be provided at a rate of 1 month for each month of continuous AD. e. Payment for refresher and deficiency courses. Effective date: 15 August 89. f. Payment for tutorial assistance, benefits up to $1,200 maybe paid. Effective date: 18 November 88. g. Payment for cooperative training. Effective date: 1 January 89. h. A provision for the extension of the 10 year time limit to use benefits in cases of chronic alcoholism. The law ruled that chronic alcoholism does not constitute willful misconduct In-service use eligibility Soldiers must complete 24 months of continuous AD before becoming eligible to receive benefits under the MGIB and the ACF, if eligible Application for benefits Applicants a. Go to the AEC for counseling. b. Complete VA Form c. Obtain the commander s signature. d. Go to the AEC for ESO s signature. AR February

16 e. Forward the form to the appropriate VARO listed below. (1) Eastern Region. VARO, P. O. Box 4616, Buffalo, NY (2) Southern Region. VARO, P. O. Box 54346, Atlanta, GA (3) Central Region. VARO, P. O. Box 66830, St. Louis, MO (4) Western Region. VARO, P.O. Box 8888, Muskogee, OK Note. Veterans will complete VA Form , provide a copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), and apply through VARO. Section II The Army College Fund Authority 38 USC, Chapter 30 establishes guidelines for the ACF and must be used in conjunction with the MGIB Objectives a. To aid in the recruitment of highly qualified Soldiers. b. To increase Test Score Category l III A accessions in entry-level skills Eligibility Soldiers a. Meet eligibility requirements for the MGIB. b. Have the ACF included in the enlistment contract. c. Remain enrolled in the MGIB. d. Have an Armed Forces qualification test (AFQT) score of 50 or above. e. Qualify as a high school diploma graduate per AR before entry on AD. There are three ways to enlist as a high school diploma graduate. An individual has (1) Attended and completed a 12 year or grade day school of classroom instruction. The diploma must be issued from the school where the individual completed all of the program requirements. (2) Attended and completed an adult education or external diploma program. The diploma must have been issued as a result of attendance and not issued solely on the basis of a test. (3) Attended a college or university and successfully completed at least 15 semester hours or 22 quarter hours of college level work or has attended a postsecondary institution and completed 675 clock hours of a vocational program. Although this individual qualifies as a high school diploma graduate for enlistment, this Soldier must complete the requirements for a secondary school diploma or equivalency before the completion of the initial obligated period of AD to be eligible for MGIB. f. Enlist in a critical skill military occupational specialty (MOS) that has been designated for the ACF program. Refer to DCS, G-1 messages for MOS changes Eligibility The ACF is a. Available for 2, 3, or more years of enlistment. b. Accrued at a monthly rate until the Soldier has earned the maximum benefit. Soldiers must remain qualified in the MOS for which they enlisted. c. Not available to officers Maximum monthly benefits The MGIB plus the ACF has a maximum value of $25,200. (See tables 2 4 and 2 5.) 10 AR February 1992

17 Table 2 4 Earning and/or accruing ACF Service Monthly Maximum Obligation accrual award 2 years $ $ 8,000 2 years with associate degree 2 $ $12,000 3 years $ $12,000 4 or more years $ $14,400 Notes: 1 Partial accrual is possible if the Soldier separates for service-connected disability, hardship, COG, or RIF. 2 No longer an enlistment option. Table 2 5 Maximum benefits (MGIB + ACF) Monthly full-time Maximum Service obligation benefits total award 2 years $ $17,000 2 years with associate degree 1 $ $21,000 3 years $ $ or more years $ $25,200 Notes: 1 No longer an enlistment option Expiration of benefits Generally, eligibility extends 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from AD Army College Fund eligibility exclusions Eligibility for the ACF will be relinquished when a Soldier a. Does not satisfy AD requirement of the MGIB. b. Fails to qualify for the MOS enlisted for that carried the ACF as an enlistment education incentive option. c. Fails to remain qualified for the MOS. d. Requests and receives another MOS. Note. Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) directed MOS reclassification does not disqualify the Soldier for the ACF. e. Accepts either a warrant officer appointment or commission during the first enlistment Processing Army College Fund eligibles For specific enlistment procedures, refer to AR a. The USAREC (1) Ensures accuracy of DD Form 1966/1 (Record of Military Processing Armed Forces of United States) per AR (2) Places the following statement on DD Form 1966/4 (page 4 of DA Form 1966), Item 39: I understand that I am enlisting for the ACF; therefore, I must remain enrolled in the MGIB. (3) Completes item 3 on the DD Form (4) Annotates item 5, DD Form 2366 with the following statement: I understand that I am enlisting for the ACF; therefore, I must remain enrolled in the MGIB. (5) Shows on DA Form that the Soldier has selected the ACF as an option. (6) Forwards copies of both forms with the accession packet to the reception battalion. b. The TRADOC, AHS, and the chaplaincy (1) Exclude ACF eligibles (those required to remain enrolled in the MGIB to qualify for the ACF) from the MGIB standardized briefing. (2) Distribute DD Form 2366 per paragraph 2 7f. AR February

18 Section III Conversion of Chapter 34 (Vietnam Era GI Bill) Eligibles to the Montgomery GI Bill Authority a. Guidelines for the Veterans Educational Assistance (Vietnam Era GI Bill) is in 38 USC, Chapter 34. b. PL authorized the conversion of the Vietnam Era GI Bill to the MGIB that may entitle individuals to benefits under 38 USC, Chapter Entitlements Chapter 34 eligibles may receive the basic benefit under the MGIB, plus half of what their monthly chapter 34 benefit would have been as of 31 December These benefits became available on 1 January 1990 and are payable for 36 months or the number of months remaining of chapter 34 benefits as of 31 December 1989, whichever is less. The maximum number of months of combined total benefits cannot exceed 48. See table Eligibility of the original entitlement a. Was available to any veteran or Soldier who served on AD for more than 180 continuous days. Any part of the AD must have occurred after 31 January 1955 and before January In addition, the veteran or Soldier must have been (1) Released under conditions other than dishonorable. (2) Continued on AD. (3) Discharged under other than dishonorable conditions with less than 181 continuous days of AD due to a serviceconnected disability. Table 2 6 Conversion chart months available 1 January 1900 A B C D E AR February 1992

19 Table 2 6 Conversion chart months available 1 January 1900 Continued A B C D E Notes: A Number of chapter 34 months used as of 31 December B Number of months of chapter 34 benefits remaining as of 31 December C Number of months of combined chapter 34 and 30 available under conversion. D Number of additional chapter 30 months under conversion. E Maximum number of months allowed for both programs (A + C + D). b. Soldiers and veterans who entered AD under the delayed entry program must have: entered such agreement before 1 January 1977, been assigned to a reserve component at the time and begun serving on AD on or before 2 January c. The required 181 continuous days on AD does not include any period that the individual (1) Was assigned as a full-time student by the Armed Forces to a civilian institution. (2) Served as a cadet at a service academy. (3) Served on AD for training as a member of the reserve component Eligibility for conversion a. Soldiers are eligible for conversion if they (1) Had no break in service since 19 October 84. During the mandatory preseparation counseling, recommend to Soldiers eligible for the conversion program that they will need documentation that verifies no break in service during this time. In reality, this is not easily done. When applying for benefits, VA recommends veterans provide a copy of their microfiche this will reflect personnel actions taken during this period of AD. If veterans wish to use VA benefits within 6 months of discharge, they should order a copy of the microfiche before actual release from AD because the permanent records will not reside in the National Record Center for approximately 6 months. Therefore, receipt of payments may be delayed if the VA requests permanent records from the National Record Center to verify service. (2) Were chapter 34 eligible as of 31 December 1989, and after 30 June 1985 have served at least 3 years of continuous AD. (3) Served 2 years AD and 4 years in the selected reserve after 30 June (4) After 30 June 1985, separated from AD for service-connected disability, for a medical condition that preexisted service, or for hardship. (5) After completing 30 months after 30 June 1985, separated for COG. (6) After completing 20 months of service after 30 June 1985, separated for COG and then served 4 years in the selected reserve. (7) After any length of service after 30 June 1985, separated involuntarily as a RIF directed by the Secretary of the Army. b. Eligible Soldiers have (1) Been discharged with an honorable discharge. (2) Continued AD. (3) Completed requirements for a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before 31 December 1989 or completed 12 semester hours in a program leading to a standard college degree. c. Soldiers who, after December 31, 1976, received commissions as officers from service academies or Reserve Officers Training Corps. Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship programs are not eligible for the conversion program Conversion benefits For information on conversion benefits, see table 2 7. AR February

20 Table 2 7 Conversion month rates Additional No One Two for each dependents dependent dependents dependent Full time $ $ $ $ /4 time $ $ $ $ /2 time $ $ $ $8.50 Less than 1/2 but more 1/4 time $ /4 time or less $ Notes: 1 Determination of eligibility and amount of benefit are the responsibility of the VA. This chart serves as references only. 2 Less than one-half time training. The monthly rate for a veteran who is pursuing a course on a less than one-half time basis is the lesser of the monthly rate shown above or the monthly rate of the cost of the course Expiration of benefits Usually, all entitlements will expire 10 years after last discharge or release from AD. See paragraph 2 5 for exception Application for benefits Soldiers a. Go to the AEC for counseling. b. Complete VA Form c. Obtain the signature of the ESO and commander on VA Form d. Forward the application to the nearest VARO. Note. Veterans need their DD Form 214 instead of commander and ESO signature. Chapter 3 Loan Repayment Program 3 1. Authority a. PL , section 2171 authorizes the LRP (formerly, PL , section 902 authorized the LRP). b. The LRP is an enlistment incentive designed to increase Test Score Category l III A accessions Eligibility The Soldier a. Had been a nonprior service enlistee. b. Enlisted between 1 December 1980 through 30 September 1981 or after 30 September c. Enlisted possessing a high school diploma. d. Had an AFQT score of 50 or higher. e. Received a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B or part E of the Higher Education Act of 1965, after 1 October Before entering AD, the loan must not be in default. Loans qualifying for repayment are (1) Guaranteed Student Loan/Stafford Loans. (2) National Direct Student Loan/Perkins Loans. (3) Supplemental Loans for Students. (4) Federally Insured Student Loans. (5) Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students. (6) Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students. f. Provided the Army a loan promissory note before enlistment. g. Enlisted and remained qualified for the MOS for which enlisted. Before 11 June 1984 and between 9 June 1987 to 26 September 1989, the LRP option was offered only to Soldiers enlisting for designated MOSs. All MOSs qualified for the LRP from 11 June 1984 through 9 June Beginning 26 September 1989, all enlisted Soldiers with a 3 year or greater term of service are again qualified for the LRP option. Eligible LRP MOSs are subject to change based on the recruiting environment. Refer to DCS, G-1 messages for MOS changes. 14 AR February 1992